Sciatica is a medical term used to describe pain felt in the lower back, buttock and various parts of the leg and foot. In addition to pain, which is sometimes severe, there may be numbness, muscular weakness, pins and needles or tingling and difficulty in moving or controlling the leg (See reference 1). Sciatica is a symptom of another medical problem, not a medical condition on its own. Sciatica occurs when there is pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve or its component nerve roots. This nerve starts in the lower spine and runs down the back of each leg. This nerve controls the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg and provides sensation to the back of the thigh, part of the lower leg, and the sole of the foot.